The Handmade Christmas effect takes hold across Scotland’s gardens

December 16th 2015

Scotland’s gardens swamped with interest for traditional crafts

With Kirsty Allsopp back on the TV sharing her ideas for a ‘Handmade Christmas’, Scottish gardens’ arts and crafts events have seen a surge of interest as garden lovers and nature enthusiasts flock to crafty workshops to learn to create their own wreaths, sprays and festive decorations.

Members of Discover Scottish Gardens, a garden network that boasts a wide reaching membership of over 130 gardens and garden businesses across all regions of Scotland, are reporting great demand for places at Christmas themed workshops.

Catherine Erskine, Chair of Discover Scottish Gardens, said: “There seems to be a real trend for traditional and home-made crafting this Christmas. People are trying to avoid the hustle and bustle of the high street by creating their own festive decorations and gifts instead of buying them. Members have had an encouragingly high interest in wreath-making workshops and gift idea classes this year, and we are delighted to see that people increasingly value old traditions and home-made gifts again.”

The network aims to highlight Scotland’s diverse garden offering, and to inspire more people to discover new gardens and nurseries across the country by providing easy access to events and seasonal activities such as wreath-making, oil & spice workshops and Christmas markets this Winter.

Popular events include wreath making classes at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Christmas themed craft markets at Drum Castle, Logie Estate and Paxton House.

People can still join in the resurgence of ‘make your own’ by visiting some of the upcoming events taking place at Scottish gardens:

Wreath making workshops at Gladstone Land (Edinburgh) and Inveresk Lodge (Musselburgh)